After graduating from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, Zanella began working with Peter Merriman at Merriman’s in Hawaii. Merriman's influence and commitment to natural flavors and local produce inspired Zanella’s later work, including tenures at top Chicago restaurants Grappa, Charlie Trotters and 312 Chicago. Motivated by his leadership, Grappa was included on Chicago Magazine’s coveted “Best New Restaurant” list. Zanella continued to impress at 312 Chicago, which was named one of the “Top 50 Hotel Restaurants in America” by Food & Wine magazine under his direction.